Without doubt, one of the most durable and well travelled DMU’s these days has to be the Class 150. A total of 137 units, built in 3 main subclasses were created between 1984 and 1987 to replace a majority of the then ageing first generation DMUs. In their near 30 years of life, they have served a majority of England, Wales and Scotland.

These rugged and reliable DMUs can now be found in Railworks form, thanks to a collaboration between Thomson (Class 455 / 170) and Oovee (Class 57 / 156). The Railworks version is in the form of the gangway fitted subclass, the Class 150/2. It comes with both the DMS and DMSL version of the vehicle in Arriva Trains Wales, Regional Railways, Northern Rail, Central Trains, Scotrail, Anglia and First Great Western liveries.

Inside the cab, it’s light and airy, not too crowded either. The cab camera is in a suitable enough position to see a majority of the cab instruments, as well as the track ahead. The cab meets up to preview Oovee Class 156 standards, in fact, it tops it with a few extra features. Independant unit and cab lights, scrolling destinations, two speed wipers, opening cab windows, moving armrests and secondman seat, scrolling sun visor, operational DRA, interlocking doors, Driver to Guard buzzer, NRN radio test and a very impressive master key animation, with which a cabin setup routine follows. Mindblowing is not the word.

The sounds are somewhat dissapointing. They’re virtually identical to the Class 156 soundset . The 2 changes I could spot is the “Class 156″ being removed from the radio test message, and one of the variable two tone horns being slightly shorter than the one supplied in the Class 156. Personally, I think there is a difference in sound between the two real units, so maybe some adjustments might have to be made.

In terms of scenarios, the Class150 is supplied with 3 standard scenarios using the default Oxford – Paddington route, and free roam scenarios. I have sampled all 3 of the standard scenarios. All varied and rather nice in terms of driver challenging. Armstrong Powerhouse scenarios packs really would do the Class 150 a favour on other routes.

£12 isn’t all that bad value for money, in the sales in can go for a mere £6 making it a real bargain. It is without doubt one of the most realistic DMUs available for Railworks, and it’s durabilty is it’s credit. You really could put this unit on any route and find it hard to be bored.